DorsetBlue Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 I have been looking for a cheap p-bass to have a go at modding. I have found this bass at Thomann (their own brand) which seems ideal, the price is pretty good just for the body and neck: [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbp120bk_lh.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbp120bk_lh.htm[/url] The Harley Benton re-brands generally seem to have a reasonable reputation and I intending to replace all of the electrics (possibly most of the hardware too) as part of the modding. Does anyone have any experience with this model? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bertbass Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 The sound samples sound a bit rubbish even if you only want it to mod. I picked up a L/H one of these recently, http://www.bass-guitar-museum.com/bass-8287-Samick-4-String-Electric-Bass-Guitar-with-Softcase and am seriously impressed. I even used it as my main bass at the last gig. Might be worth looking for a used one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DorsetBlue Posted March 12, 2013 Author Share Posted March 12, 2013 [quote name='bertbass' timestamp='1363101567' post='2008495'] The sound samples sound a bit rubbish even if you only want it to mod. I picked up a L/H one of these recently, [url="http://www.bass-guitar-museum.com/bass-8287-Samick-4-String-Electric-Bass-Guitar-with-Softcase"]http://www.bass-guit...r-with-Softcase[/url] and am seriously impressed. I even used it as my main bass at the last gig. Might be worth looking for a used one. [/quote] Yes, same people as Shine (I have a Shine 5'er) - the importer is local to me i.e. Poole. Unfortunately you can only get the Shine PJ Basses now left handed new and they have Basswood bodies. Not concerned about the 'tonewood' issues, rather more concerned about the stability of the fixing holes (worried it might end up more Swan Vesta than Basswood). I haven't seen a Samick secondhand recently but I do scan the usual sources. I would buy a Vintage but I think the hardware is actually a little bit too good (plus that would be 3 times the cost), which kind of defeats the purpose for me (I am an Electronic Engineer who likes to tinker ). Not convinced by the Squier Affinity (not sure it comes in leftie anyway) and I do not want to tamper with my Squier VM J at the moment - like it as it is). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 [quote name='DorsetBlue' timestamp='1363105258' post='2008586'] Not convinced by the Squier Affinity [/quote] Some of them have very good parts! I had one with an excellent neck. In fact, the only modding it "needed" was a pickup upgrade, some new pots and a bit of a tweak to the wiring. Total cost of modding around £50 and the bass cost £65 used. I ended up with a very playable, good sounding P bass for the cost of three sets of DR strings! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DorsetBlue Posted March 12, 2013 Author Share Posted March 12, 2013 [quote name='Conan' timestamp='1363105979' post='2008600'] Some of them have very good parts! I had one with an excellent neck. In fact, the only modding it "needed" was a pickup upgrade, some new pots and a bit of a tweak to the wiring. Total cost of modding around £50 and the bass cost £65 used. I ended up with a very playable, good sounding P bass for the cost of three sets of DR strings! [/quote] Alas, they do not come leftie anyway. They are an option for my Strat modding project though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 I always say this but Westone Thunder basses make a good start for modding and can be bought reasonably priced as they are unfashionable. They have great necks, made of decent woods and are easy to work on. I have a Westone Thunder Jet with SPB-3 pup, high mass bridge and a P-retro on board and it is a monster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DorsetBlue Posted March 13, 2013 Author Share Posted March 13, 2013 [quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1363110221' post='2008700'] I always say this but Westone Thunder basses make a good start for modding and can be bought reasonably priced as they are unfashionable. They have great necks, made of decent woods and are easy to work on. I have a Westone Thunder Jet with SPB-3 pup, high mass bridge and a P-retro on board and it is a monster. [/quote] Will keep an eye out but I haven't seen one that is a leftie yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomBass Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 (edited) I have an SX P-bass if you are interested. I'm sure we could work something out. Cheers Geoff Edit: Oops sorry its not a leftie.... doh! Edited March 13, 2013 by RandomBass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Carter Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Geoff, pm me with your price and a pic, I may be interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomBass Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 [quote name='Lee Carter' timestamp='1363255949' post='2010434'] Geoff, pm me with your price and a pic, I may be interested. [/quote] Will get on the case when I get home tonight, I have a few pics of it on my laptop I think. Cheers Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 This just popped up on eBay [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LEFT-HANDED-PSN-BLACK-ELECTRIC-BASS-GUITAR-AMP-PACKAGE-KIT-/171007054968?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item27d0d09478"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LEFT-HANDED-PSN-BLACK-ELECTRIC-BASS-GUITAR-AMP-PACKAGE-KIT-/171007054968?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item27d0d09478[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bertbass Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 That might well be worth a go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomBass Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 [quote name='Lee Carter' timestamp='1363255949' post='2010434'] Geoff, pm me with your price and a pic, I may be interested. [/quote] Right I cannot add pics to a PM, so, either: a) It's not possible, or I'm stupid (the latter never surprises me) Can you PM me an email address, perhaps? Cheers Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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